MPs warn on kidney dialysis plan

MP’s have heard how kidney disease charities were “stunned” to have been told that dialysis will no longer be a prescribed service on the English NHS from next year.

Labour’s Madeleine Moon (Bridgend) said officials at the Department of Health revealed the “dangerous” decision in a meeting, and told the groups legislation would be put to MPs in February, reports Yahoo News

Speaking during the weekly business statement, she said: “At a meeting in the Department of Health this week, kidney charities were stunned to be told that kidney dialysis was no longer to be a prescribed service and a period of consultation of six weeks would be held by the Department of Health.

“And then a Bill would be introduced to Parliament during February and changes to CCG (clinical commission groups) commissioning will commence on April 1.

“Can we have an oral statement from a minister for the Department of Health so they can hear from MPs across the floor in this House what a dangerous decision that would be and how kidney patients will be placed at risk by that decision?”

Mr Hague replied: “I don’t think there is any need for a statement because it is health questions within a few days. Next Tuesday (Mr Hunt) and the ministerial team will be here on Tuesday to answer questions so I think there is an early opportunity for you to pursue this issue.”

E-Petition for dialysis to remain a prescribed service on the NHS in 2015:

“Responsible department: Department of Health

Kidney disease charities were “stunned” to have been told this week (20 Nov ’14) dialysis will no longer be a prescribed service on the English NHS from next year.

Care for dialysis patients should not be the responsibility of CCGs (clinical commissioning groups). Dialysis is a specialist service that should be managed by renal experts.”